Israeli president meets FM Wang Yi as reports link China to Iran’s military buildup Israeli President Isaac Herzog held talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and discussed topics ranging from economic and cultural cooperation to regional security. Israel
Who is Abdulrahman Alfozan, Saudi national charged in bugging OpenAI meetings? The Saudi national who was arrested for allegedly planting a covert listening device at OpenAI’s offices has extensive experience working at leading technology companies in the US and serves as a venture partner at a Saudi venture capital firm. Saudi Arabia
What does Amazon war damage mean for Gulf cloud expansion? Amazon’s cloud computing unit said the damage was sustained to its facilities in Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates, casting doubt over multibillion-dollar investments in the region. Bahrain
Saudi Arabia taps China’s MiniMax for Arabic AI model The development signals that the kingdom continues deepening AI ties with China while simultaneously pursuing major US technology partnerships, keeping the Gulf state at the center of an intensifying technology race between the superpowers. Saudi Arabia
Starlink expands Middle East footprint with UAE launch: What to know By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Interview Why Strait of Hormuz no longer rattles oil markets as much: IMF Jihad Azour Director of the Middle East and Central Asia Department at the International Monetary Fund
AI and cloud investments dominate Saudi Arabia's LEAP tech summit Amazon Web Services and DataVolt were among the companies that made significant cloud investments in the kingdom, which is looking to become a global technology hub. Saudi Arabia
Iran showcases Shahed drones, missiles at Qatar's defense exhibition This year’s Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference features Iranian drones, Russian warships and delegations from across Asia and Africa. Legacy: Gulf
UAE's largest company IHC appoints AI bot to board Several international companies have named AI-based entities to their leadership structures in recent years. The UAE is seeking to become a world leader in artificial intelligence. Legacy: Gulf
Saudi tech giant expands investments into China, AI as part of $100B plans Alat plans to invest $100 billion by 2030 to coincide with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 plan to wean the kingdom’s economy off of its reliance on oil. Saudi Arabia
Analysis With Iran's cyberattacks on rise since Gaza war, Israel looks to private industry Israeli experts warn that cyberattacks against Israeli companies, institutions and infrastructure have grown more frequent and sophisticated since Oct. 7. By Tal Pavel In Modiin, Israel, reporting on Israel
Turkey’s first astronaut heads to space Turks tune in to live national TV to watch Turkey’s first astronaut travel to space. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
New $4 billion AI space entity unveiled in UAE Bayanat and Yahsat plan to merge into Space42 as the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Oman all seek more opportunities in the space sector. Legacy: Gulf
Analysis Will US pressure on UAE-China tech cooperation pay off? Companies in the Gulf are feeling pressure from the United States over technological ties with China, according to one expert. By Adam Lucente In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change
Saudi PIF ups investment in China’s Alibaba-backed tech fund eWTP Arabia Capital invests in energy and technology start-ups across the Middle East, North Africa and Asia. Saudi Arabia
What's behind Elon Musk's visit to Israel, meeting with Netanyahu? On a visit to Israel, American billionaire Elon Musk called for a halt to the hate propaganda that he said enabled the Oct. 7 attack and also expressed willingness to help reconstruct Gaza. Israel
Business & Tech Briefing: Dubai gears up for COP28 By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
What does OpenAI firing Sam Altman mean for the Middle East? Altman was reportedly seeking new investment from the region at the time of his firing and had built relations with Israel and the United Arab Emirates. Legacy: Gulf
